May Day: House of Reps celebrates contributions of Nigerian Workers to nation building

As the world commemorates International Labour Day 2024, the Nigeria House of Representatives celebrates and honours every worker for their contributions to the growth and development of our dear country. In the decades preceding our independence, and in the fight for the entrenchment of democracy, the contributions of the labour movement and indeed, the Nigerian worker are replete in our history books. With zeal and resilience, you continue to make sacrifices for our progress so far. On this occasion of the 2024 Workers’ Day, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, charges workers to embrace patriotism and dedication to our fatherland, assuring them of better welfare under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Describing the administration’s policies and programmes as initiatives geared towards creating more jobs and reducing unemployment rates. Speaker Abbas also tasks Organised Labour, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to prioritise negotiations and dialogue with the government on any issue affecting them.

Similarly, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, notes that this year’s theme, underscores the urgency of addressing climate change’s impacts on occupational safety, health, and the necessity of safer work environments. Thus, in line with this year’s theme; “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,” the Green Chamber will continue to make contributions towards ensuring a safer and healthier working environment for Nigerian workers. 

The 10th House of Representatives already prioritises labour-related bills in our legislative duties, as seen in the expedited consideration given to the 2023 Supplementary Budget with provision for wage awards to workers as a measure to cushion the effects of petrol subsidy removal.

Agenda 4: Economic Growth And Development of our Legislative Agenda prioritises collaboration with the Executive and relevant labour organisations, to modernise labour laws. In the same vein, Agenda 8: Climate Change And Environmental Sustainability, notes several factors that significantly impact our economy, social structures, and the overall well-being of Nigerians with specific actions aimed at tackling them.

The People’s House remains focused on our drive to promote the welfare, respect and dignity of Nigerian workers on whose hard work, innovation, resilience and patriotism; our country progresses. We also reaffirm our commitment to curb harmful labour practices and exploitation of the Nigerian worker through our vibrant public petitions system and strengthened oversight. 

Happy Workers' Day to all who toil endlessly, to advance our country and its economy.

Jointly Signed:

Rep. Adegboyega Adefarati

Chairman, House Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity

Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr.

House Spokesman/Chairman, House Committee on Media & Public Affairs

May 1, 2024